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This summer, the Membership and Leadership Development (MLD) program is providing training to local and state League leaders from nine states that are entering the program for the first time ever. After a wonderful financial out-pouring of support for the MLD program at the LWVUS Convention in June 2012, Cheryl, Carol, Kelly, and I (the League trainers for the MLD program) have been met with enthusiasm for the program and for the future of the League.

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As part of the LWVUS team that is going out this summer to train Leagues through the, Membership and Leadership Development program, which is designed to help strengthen the League as we power the vote, I am so inspired by the League leaders we're meeting who are passionate about protecting the right to vote and active in mobilizing citizens to take back the helm of our democracy.

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When held up to legal scrutiny, there is no evidence of voter impersonation at the polls. However, millions could be disenfranchised and lose their right to vote because of photo ID laws enacted in a number of states.

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Every distinguished speaker who addressed the League’s 2012 Convention applauded the League of Women Voters for its devotion to political education and its faith that knowledge becomes power in the hands of voters. The League was urged to finish the fight to protect and empower voters.

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The League and its allies were successful in keeping voter ID bills from passing in a number of states including Colorado, Delaware, Iowa, Maine, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon and Virginia. Only Kansas, Pennsylvania and Tennessee have passed voter photo ID laws that are currently in effect. In retrospect, thanks to the Leagues ongoing work, we are better off than we had anticipated when the legislative sessions began!